But they go to an archived database and aren't seen by a hiring manager unless the software finds a strong enough match, he said. Gillis recommends that job seekers add a new category to the bottom of the first page of the résumé called "keywords."

In that section, Gillis said, the job applicant should list the applicable words and phrases that are part of the posting. Don't copy whole sentences verbatim, he added, but do capture the key phrases. He said 8-point type is best.

For example, a current posting for an online trader says candidates should be disciplined, loyal, dedicated, organized and hardworking. They should have great time-management skills; experience in social media; strong written- and verbal-communication skills and problem- solving skills.

If you list those attributes as keywords - along with the computer programming skills the company wants - you will likely move up the list of best matches for the job.

But watch the phrasing, Gillis said. For example, if the ad wants a "third-grade teacher," make sure you use that language. The software may not recognize "taught third grade" as the same.

Do not, however, list qualities that you do not have. Nor should you copy and paste the advertisement into your résumé.

That used to work several years ago, said Gillis, whose first book focused on how savvy job seekers could cut and paste the ad into the body of their résumé but hide it using tiny print and coloring the words white so it couldn't be detected.

The browsers would spot the exact match and bring those résumés to the top of the pile.

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Just like you wouldn't like to visit a website filled with a jumble of keywords, hiring managers are likely to pass on a résumé that appears to be overloaded with disjointed keywords, Wolf said. Finding the right balance is key.

"What we recommend to candidates is to include keywords, but to do so in natural way," he said. Responsibilities and achievements should naturally weave in the keywords from the job description.

If there are additional projects you would like to include but that do not fit into one of your job responsibilities, Wolf recommended adding a section called "key initiatives." For example, a marketer might include website development, trade shows and public relations in his/her key initiatives section.

Don't dawdle

Another way to improve your chances of getting a hit? Send your résumé quickly.

Companies typically go through the first 100 matches, Gillis said. And the résumés typically start coming in within a few minutes of the posting.

If there is a specific company in which you'd like to work, sign up for its email alerts so you're among the first to be notified, Gillis said.

Another key is brevity, he added.

Most companies are looking for the most relevant skills, so many will request that scanners scan only the first page of an applicant's résumé.